 During the holidays, and in a previous blog post, I shared my wish list of gifts for you, our society and what may be received through coaching. Continuing the desire to give, I introduce “Gifts of Coaching.” When entering a coaching partnership, one of our initial activities is revisiting, identifying and clarifying values. The work is so important because our decision making and behaviors ideally are filtered through and representative of them, (obviously)! There are numerous ways of exploring what are our values, not what we want them to be, a significant distinction. We can’t say we value honesty but live a life of lies. (slippery…truth is in the "eye of beholder?") We can say we value kindness and demonstrate it genuinely in ALL our words, behaviors and interactions. I invite you, in a way that works for you…reassess, investigate, consider…what are your personal core values? Are you able to identify a top 3 – 5? What if you (if you haven’t already), wrote a statement defining how you desire the value shows up for you. Significant, we are individuals with our unique interpretations. I.e.: One of my values is gratitude. My statement, “a deep appreciation for everyone, everything, everywhere.” In practice, throughout the day, in my overall life and established rituals, I will seek and acknowledge (in thought or written down), what has happened or is possible to be grateful for and or about. For me, living with this value it is amazing the countless moments of gratitude that happen. I.e.: Just a few from this week, there was a chance to feel how blessed me and my kids are to live aligned in our beliefs. I witnessed joy, conveyed in smiles, body language and demeanor, from one of my newest clients. I experienced, yet again, the willingness of people to connect and pursue a possible mutually beneficial relationship. A tolerable Minnesota winter, my granddaughter’s imagination, a glass of wine cozy by the fireplace and so much more! I envision you get the point (and that I can go on and on about gratitude – it is everywhere!!). Once comfortable personally with your values and created statements... *Consider noticing how you are living them in your actions, words, choices, work and contributions to cultures (family, work, community). *Perhaps establish a routine for reading or saying them regularly. Wishing you…the Gift of, values!  ReImagine Possibilities, Inc. Inspiring a better life, a better way!
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 It’s official…I give myself the month of January to wish as many as able to a “Happy New Year” and to bridge between the years in reflection and planning. But now it is February and time to implement carefully thought out promises (my new word for resolutions=”promises to myself”) and strategic direction.
I don’t know about you, but I often remind myself that resolutions and strategic plans, may have dates attached to achieving them, but more so are meant to be a process over the full 12 months. Did you engage in creating some? How are you doing first month in? What benefits would a trusted partner offer to stay on track? A life coach, a change agent, is an option to consider on your journey? Our goal is your goal. We offer tools for your success. A chance to do something different, so new results are possible. Sometimes it’s simply not trying to go it alone and having a partner along the way to keep us going. Or perhaps reframing the language, as noted. With my personal value of integrity, I am likely to keep promises I make to others. How good though am I at honoring them to myself? Seems a bit in contradiction, perhaps an opportunity to improve integrity at my core and achieve greater progress? Stepping out of the box? How would it feel to be patient and realistic with yourself? Breaking down promises and strategies by day, month, quarter or milestones? Could you ask yourself routinely, “Am I moving forward?” We don't need to complicate the goals. If stuck or slipping backwards, what obstacle got in the way? How will you decide to overcome the detour? One last time…Happy New Year, Decade!! I wish you peace and promises met. - ReImagine Possibilities., Inc.  I do not have to tell you we are living within an environment of extremes, whether it is business or personal. The goal is to live in balance and true to ourselves both in work and play. I suggest, we are in a crisis of spirit at the core, allowing many layers of concerns to build upon it. We need to expose the opportunity within the challenges, differences and or suffering being experienced. Along with celebrating courage and conviction that is demonstrated when truth, well intended and honorable agendas show up. Thus, the growing industry of Life-Coaching! Existing and offering for individuals, families, teams and companies some of the following within the partnership and engagement commitment you decide. *Identify your core values *Filter decision making through and aligned primarily to discovered principles and beliefs *Be in integrity with words and actions *Stop and prevent group think! *Honor the freedom you possess within giving respect to common law *Belong to, trust yourself first *Empower your inner wisdom and imagination *Expose critics and blocks *Determine champions supportive of your betterment *Take ownership of only your narrative not others *Pursue the potential unique to you *Discover your dreams *Fulfill your purpose *Seek possibility in and appreciate differences with others *Be willing to take alternative perspectives *Avoid conflicts with a healthy exchange of ideas *Exemplify tolerance, openness and acceptance *Allow, not shame or condemn, opposing opinions *Implement boundaries rooted to core values, when necessary *Believe in the abundance of greatness for all *Do not impose limiting but consider expanding beliefs *Position for success *See failures as lessons learned *Embrace personal responsibility *Don’t give away power of choice and destiny *Reduce renting space within you to others, let go! *Unpack and overcome fears that are controlling emotional responses *Speak confidently in your authentic voice *Listen to hear what is said, not filtered by inner agreements *Be present and give presence *Write your own story Hopefully, I have given some justice to a rather long list of what is possible. Other Life Coaches can add to it! We are not Therapists or Counselors, we are certified Professionals and your Partner to discover and honor the expert of your life, lying within your inner spirit. Turn down and or off the external noise and trust, Now More Than Ever… it’s time to explore a journey to being, living and inspiring your personal and professional BEST! Change starts with you, but it doesn't start until you do. - Tom Ziglar
ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.  “Make peace”, was the subject of a sermon I heard, and the perspective made so much sense! I feel compelled to not keep it to myself, but share in the event many more benefit as I think I have. What if "making peace" is less about the absence of conflict, corruption and hate? What if "making peace" is acceptance, embracing and yes, love? Love by definition, an extension of oneself for betterment. In this life, we tend to believe and strive towards everything always being good and achieving perfection. But life is a broken mirror, hairline to shattered. This brokenness presents us with opportunities, possibilities, or crosses to take up. Some crosses are temporary. Other crosses have a journey. Along the journey, we are exposed to and given possibilities. Has there ever been an opportunity, if you choose to see it, that hasn’t proposed an expansion of what you have or know? Sometimes the lesson is about your capacities from abilities to limitations. Other times, it may be about someone’s character and value. Of course, it could be about life itself and all its offerings and boundaries. A boundary representing protection and respect, not denial. Thus, the practice to question and adjust limits as appropriate. What all this has in common is, a blessing. Blessing by definition, a special benefit. Coming back to "making peace". Are you meant to be a channel? Accept life is NOT supposed to ever be perfect. Especially since perfection is in the eye of the beholder, potentially unattainable in agreement. Embrace the cross, journey and lesson in what appears to be broken or is not measuring up to a standard of good we have imposed. And yes, love the special benefit as a beautiful reflection, of conflicts, corruption and hate. If only moment by moment, consider…"make peace with brokenness, bearing its crosses and the blessings you will receive by doing so." ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
 I find such wisdom in enduring clichés. Perhaps a contradiction that I am attempting to inspire thought around this popular and timeless truth, “actions speak louder than words,” in words. Life is funny, we should smile and laugh at it more! While reflecting on the messages I was presented with in morning rituals, my thoughts drifted to motives. Why and what motives us? Do we think about our motives, how often? Isn’t the relationship between words and our motives fascinating? (I like the word fascinating – so much potential in it!!) A key component and tool of effective Life Coaching is to identify one’s values. What is motivating us, why? All our being is either supportive or in conflict with our values. I suggest we are unable to fake them, for if we try our words and actions will challenge each other, perhaps not immediately…eventually. How well do you know what you value? Not what you want to value, but actually do. It’s normal to just go through our days, doing what we do without the filter of connecting to our values or considering a motive. (It would be an exhausting practice) Each interaction and deed reflect a message about what matters to us, or perhaps is expected. If you paused to validate, "I choose this because", or "I am doing such in honor of", would you see a pattern of what you value? Not what you desire shows as your values, but actually is. Thus, my fascination between the complex relationship of our words and motives. I am suggesting we can simplify. Our actions speak louder, or in today’s environment, SHOULD speak louder. One could debate, on any level, we are in word overload telling us what we value (and think and are, etc.) and the act or actions of doing so, often suggest compromised motives. If we are willing to do a little observation of our own, it’s easy to identify through ACTS motives of love, empathy, kindness, betterment, integrity, hate, self-serving, power, greed, jealousy. A bit trickier to unpeel when the motivation may be fear, truth, commitment, honor, achievement. See the fascination, it’s a potential ongoing discussion. Reimagine how a motive allows us to know what one values. In understanding (not judgement), is it possible to make better decisions and be truer to our own values? In the end, a new cliché…”actions and words speak in harmony.” Happiness is when … What you think , What you say and What you do are in Harmony ~ Mahatma Gandhi Inspire a better life, way! ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
 A popular radio morning show made a comment today about, “once people loved each other”, then proceeded to sarcastically joke with realism about it being “hard to believe” and or "we use to do that”. It made me think about the following list of ideologies that guide our stories and show up in our work. Are they dead or alive? Golden Rule – “Treat others as you would like to be treated”, not seeking opportunities to find fault or speak against Common Good – The best of ideas for the greatest amount of positive benefit, embrace humility Honesty - Truth and facts, not a filtered narrative to support an agenda Respect - Appreciation, acknowledgement of a deserved human dignity. Not defaming, discrediting or denouncing. Loyalty – Show honor. More achieved through support, aligned to values. 10 Commandments (Rules of Law) – (Honor, Shall not…Steal, Kill, Bear False Witness, Covet) Keep IT simple. Common Sense – Basic logic of what is reasonable, feasible and believable. Not extremism. Kindness – Genuine acceptance, demonstration of caring and empathy. Desire everyone’s betterment. Integrity – Words and actions mirroring talk and walk. Not transference upon another. Like the noise of the radio in the background so are those abandoning these principles, to the many more voices staying true to keeping these beliefs alive. I am grateful to and for you, professionally and personally. ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
Looking for a summer read - "Outwitting the Devil" by Napoleon Hill  It’s a hot summer day. What better way other than being on or in the water, then to be alongside the river on a patio. Enjoying a beverage and snack with good friends. Being the weekend before Independence Day, not that surprising when a large pop is heard. Until we notice what generated it. We are all familiar with the phrase “snap, crackle, pop”. But witnessing a powerline split in two, it Pops, Crackles and Snaps. The scene bizarre. One end of the line dangling in the air above the parking lot, another on the ground dangerously close to the row of cars it used to hang over. A bustling establishment prepared for a big day now pitch black. Emergency vehicles arriving almost instantly. Both responders and staff wandering around in disbelief. Wondering what to do next. Patrons going with the flow. Intrigued by what was seen and how things will evolve. I share this quick story as a loose tie into a post series I plan to introduce, “Possibility of Perception”. The Firemen, we expect to perceive the situation through bravery, rather than fear. The Restaurant Manager, it’s assumed, a perception of being in control not panicked. And customers, instinctively perceive patience is needed. But what if fear, panic or impatient showed up? The scene now totally different. Perception influences our thoughts. Perception with purposeful reflection can bring change. Perception is a key tool in our ability to self-discover and self-improve, personally and professionally. My post series, a Reimagining of what may be Possible when you consider the perception you have. May any Pop, Crackle and Snap you hear and or witness over the next few days be in celebration of our country! Happy freedom, good food, fun times, with family and friends. Enjoy the fireworks!! ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
 As we celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend, I was thinking about my dad and how it has been 7 years since his passing. For me he is never really gone, always in heart, but quietly in the background. Which honestly, you could proclaim is the leadership style he lived. We see and or read article after article, post upon post, about leadership. What qualities make a good leader, an ineffective one, a memorable one. If we are truthful, most of us in the role, desire to be the leader exemplifying all the definitions if not actually modeling the examples of writings. I don’t know that my dad ever thought about this… maybe. He lived at a time and was the type of person that did what he did, without overthinking it. For that, anyone that had the fortune to meet him, looked upon him as a distinguished leader. Honoring dad, I share a perspective of leading to add to all the others. Leadership contains humility, empathy and listening. A leader is confident, engaged, honest, dependable and committed. You identify with being significant to them and there’s no questioning what they stand for. Most of all, in their absence, you remember thoughtfully the words, phrases or stories they spoke. You speak of them with admiration and appreciation of your experiences with them. You miss them but carry pieces of them forward in your life. In respect to my role model of leadership, I am questioning can it be as simple as striving to be the best and most authentic version of yourself? Living our story and values, every day with integrity? In trying so hard to define leadership perfectly and as if it is repeatable, are we complicating it? Do we forget leading requires a two-way, real relationship around forming a connection and showing respect? Can leadership be summed up as how the impact of our contributions makes a meaningful difference? With this year’s celebration complete, if possible, reimagine the fatherhood influence in your life as a definition of leadership to inspire you. Happy Father’s Day to all – my sons, my husband, my dad (watching over us) and every man that is touching our life momentously! “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.” – Unknown What is your father story? What is your leadership challenges and opportunities? ...ReImagine Possibilities, Inc.
 An overarching theme for me this past week was education and conversation around exits, succession and business transfer. Beyond a bit of irony mom and I laughed about related to events in our own life. I welcome the experiences and growth opportunities for me to enhance my toolbox as invaluable going forward!
In a commitment by the Small Business Development Center to facilitate a knowledge exchange program for its Advisors, I took part in a 1 ½ day session that kicked off with a condensed version of the Certificate in Exit Planning Program. Scott Snider, VP of the Exit Planning Institute, professionally and skillfully took us through it. To quote him, “If you have one take away, make it, Exit Planning is Business Strategy”. A comment worthy of paying it forward. You might envision that this statement is supported, by the ideas of best practices, be prepared and active communication. Demonstrating the value around these ideas, we engaged in a group activity to determine the company appraisal of a real-life case study. It was interesting how 9 groups, with the same information was primarily in alignment, but not without a few conversations to get there and some curious outliers to consider. Advised that a right wrong outcome was irrelevant, perception and interpretation became clearly pertinent. Reaching a perhaps obvious determination that value is in the eye of the beholder, and potential inheritor. With the enormity of this topic, justice cannot be done in a few paragraphs. I admit I have simply flirted with you. However, not to leave you dejected, reimagine the following. *Does your business operate at a level day in day out worthy of high multipliers when being evaluated for non-capital value? Are you consistently demonstrating best practices? *How would a single incident alter your strategy and or operations? Are you prepared for the unplanned or unexpected in the moment, but more importantly beyond the immediacy of the significant event? *Has ownership/management engaged in conversations and documented thoroughly visions? Are the key players communicating thoughts on and needs for future personal and business goals? There is an abundance of possibilities for these answers. More questions and more responses. A trusted and qualified Advisor/Coach, an effective choice as a knowledgeable partner to work with through these essentials. When the work is done, success may be measured by the gap of multiple perceptions and personal interpretations as a manageable crack to fill in through thoughtful negotiation. ReImagine Possibilities, Inc. would like to encourage individuals, families and businesses (teams) through advising/coaching. Want to discuss "exit planning as business strategy"– please reach out to start a conversation.  I have a really, really special “gig”! Because I talk about it so much, a dear friend suggested I write about it. What a blessing I live, in having the opportunity to write a new chapter of my life! Building upon the previous one in a way that allows me to give back, stay sharp and continuously learn. Passionate about fulfilling potentials, creating something better and encouraging entrepreneurship. I get to partner with others for this exact purpose! My “gig” is in the capacity as an advisor for individuals, partners and businesses with a local college’s small business development center. The program, funded by the government, makes it free for applicants to seek support and mentorship as they pursue their dream to start up and or grow their own business. I swear the Directors are guided by the universe or career matchmakers. Everyone I have had the privilege to be paired with, like karma on multiple levels. For me at least, I cannot speak for them. The ideas range from making a mobile studio in a refurbished city bus, to an aspiring inventor, to marketing culinary talents/family recipes, to representing emerging athletes’ best interests, to archiving art collections, to capturing stories through videography, to producing stunning stain glass pieces, and so many more. I wish I could describe each one individually, giving them the justice, they deserve. It is such an honor!! They are all incredible! Every introductory meeting, I am more and more in awe of the creativity. The identifying of an opportunity (gap, need, solution) to fill. Of the evolving current success into future successes. Impressive resumes, talents and business expanding initiatives. Even more, I am humbled and appreciative of the chance to get to know these individuals!! The courage it takes to reach out for assistance. The character to pursue their visions. The contagious spirit to define destiny. I truly believe, in giving my time, I am the one receiving more! These new relationships, and friendships, quickly treasured! Our work together often has similar components, but it is never routine. My approach is more coaching, providing information and tools, to allow for good decision making. I respect the engagement is about encouraging and getting to a determined finish line (for the moment). Motivated by achieving their objectives and meeting expectations, I try to be a good listener. Usually we agree upon “homework” and I do attempt to exercise accountability. Tapping my breadth of experience, applying my life coaching and or challenging me to dig into something, each relationship is really special. With a most grateful heart, I love this “gig”! Thank you to the program, directors and my clients. To anyone that has a nagging voice within – check into the availability within your community. Now more than ever, entrepreneurship, start-ups, small business growth is needed. There are resources available to position you for the achievement of your ambition and aspirations. Check it out. Conversations welcomed. ReImagine Possibilities., Inc.
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